Resolved – That Councillor D Mitchell be appointed Chair for this meeting.

Members of the Sub-Committee are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests, in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

Members of the Sub-Committee were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

No such declarations were made.

The Corporate Director for Business Management reported upon an application that had been received from Mrs Vanitha Rajakuma for a Premises Licence in respect of 33-35 Old Chester Road.

It was reported that the premises are not currently operating and do not have a Premises Licence.

The applicant had submitted an operating schedule setting out how the business would be conducted/managed in accordance with the four licensing objectives. A copy of the full application was available. Members were advised that the proposals set out in the operating schedule may become conditions of the licence should the application be granted.

Following discussions with Merseyside Police, the hours requested for the sale by retail of alcohol had been amended by the applicant to start an hour later from Monday to Thursday.

In respect of the application a representation had been received from the owner of 37 and 37A Old Chester Road.  The representation related to concerns due to the hours requested which it was considered would undermine the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance. A copy of the representation was available.

The applicant’s husband attended the meeting together with the representative of the applicant, Mr Rushton. 

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received and that the applicant had given permission for her husband to speak on her behalf. 

Mr Rushton addressed the Sub-Committee and advised that the application was for a new shop on Old Chester Road.  He informed Members that the applicant had a great deal of experience in operating similar premises selling alcohol.  He explained that the premises had been refurbished and would operate as a convenience store selling alcohol.

Mr Rushton outlined the extensive measures that would be put in place to prevent alcohol being sold in such a way that it would cause a nuisance to the community. These measures included a comprehensive CCTV system being installed in the premises, a Challenge 25 Policy, an electronic till prompt to prevent underage sales and staff training.  Members also heard that deliveries would be made between 10.00am and 4.00pm so as not to cause a nuisance to neighbours.  He referred to the representation that had been made and advised that the tenants who lived in the flat at those premises were content with the application and had signed letters to state this which he submitted to the Sub-Committee.  In response to a question from the Licensing Manager in respect of sales of alcohol with an ABV over 6.5%, Mr Rushton advised that the applicant would be willing to sign up to a scheme on a voluntary basis.

In determining the application the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee had regard to the Licensing Objectives, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and the Statutory Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Members had regard to the written representation made by a local business owner as well as information provided by the applicant in support of the application.

Members noted that further to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.